grant

More and more communities in eastern North Carolina are striving to be more bicycle and pedestrian friendly. Building sidewalks or bike paths connects people with commercial areas, promotes healthy lifestyles and increases aesthetic appeal. The North Carolina Department of Transportation is paving the way to help municipalities develop plans that encourage safe walking and biking. Mac McKee speaks with Planning program manager with NCDOT’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Division John Vine-Hodge about the grant initiative.

Many expected North Carolina’s film industry to take a hit after the incentives program ended. But the business is holding firm. This week on the Down East Journal, how a new grant program is attracting filmmakers to the State. And, it’s music and conversation with Canadian Roots and Blues artist Susie Vinnick. She’ll perform this Friday and Saturday in eastern North Carolina. The Down East Journal, Friday at noon on all of the PRE stations. And Saturday at noon on News and Ideas.

The film industry in North Carolina represents a $300 million dollar business. Earlier this year, a new grant program was announced to attract filmmakers to our area. It is awarding $10 million dollars to a select number of in-state productions. Sarah Finch spoke with North Carolina Film Office Director Guy Gaster about the grant recipients.

This week, NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Services awarded North Carolina, three other states and two Caribbean nations 8 million dollars for coastal projects. The North Carolina Coastal Federation received $35,000 to work with fisherman to create new oyster reefs from recycled crab pots. Public Radio East’s Mac McKee has this.